2. LeBron James
The runner up…
With summer dragging on and on and on before the NBA tips off, we’ve decided to initiate a multipart series that will be the definitive look at the best players in the NBA today.
Over lunch at the Outback Steakhouse (word to Steve Irwin), your crack SLAMonline.com staff sat down and ranked the 50 best players in the NBA today. We realize that’s kind of ambiguous, but that’s how basketball is and that’s how we like it. Basically, though, we tried to list the 50 guys we think have the most value to their teams, right now, at this moment. This doesn’t mean they’ll never be traded, and it doesn’t mean they’re due tremendous contract extensions, but it does mean — since value is king in the NBA — that over the next month or so we’ll run down the 50 guys that we think are the 50 best players, right here, right now.
Before long it’ll be time for our annual NBA team previews. Right now it’s time for some law and order…
2. LeBron James
By Ryan Jones
Here is a list of all the possible criticisms I could think of regarding Cleveland Cavaliers fourth-year forward LeBron James:
LeBron James is not a bad defensive player, but he sometimes gets exposed by smaller, quicker guards, and he doesn’t yet have the possession-by-possession lockdown mentality that defines truly great defenders.
There are stretches in most games in which LeBron James doesn’t assert himself offensively as much as he could, which seems to be done in the interest of getting/keeping his teammates involved, but too often leaves the Cavs looking temporarily inept without his direct involvement.
LeBron James sometimes settles for outside shots when he’d probably be better off driving to the basket, where he’d almost definitely score or go to the line.
That said, LeBron James still has stretches of maddening inconsistency at the free throw line. He’s not a bad foul shooter overall, but he can get better.
LeBron James cheats a lot in the passing lanes, which often leads to breakaway dunks but sometimes leaves his teammates shorthanded defensively.
LeBron James travels a lot, which, with the NBA’s crackdown on seemingly minor rules violations this season, could get him into trouble in key situations.
With so many marketing and promotional responsbilities, LeBron James has been accused by some of spending too much time on non-basketball distractions.
And then I ran out. LeBron James is No. 2 on the Slamonline.com list of the 50 best players in the NBA, and that’s fine. There’s more than 300 players in the League, so coming in second when you’re the same age as a lot of college seniors and still four or five years away from your prime isn’t really too bad. Coming in second to Kobe Bryant, he of the 81-point game and three rings and fairly convincing Jordan mimicry, is nothing at all to be ashamed of. Coming in second when an eight or 10-year run of coming in first is just around the corner isn’t bad at all.
That said, I didn’t get invited to lunch at Outback Steakhouse on that fateful day a few months back, both because this was primarily an online venture that Lang and Sam rightfully did on their own, and because the smell of a Bloomin’ Onion makes me nauseous… so I had no input on this list. If I had, I would’ve put LeBron James at No. 1.
I would’ve put LeBron James at No. 1 because he’s a f*cking incredible basketball player.
I would’ve put LeBron James at No. 1 because he’s only 21 and only going to keep getting better for the next seven or eight years, which is a stunning thing to comprehend.
I would’ve put LeBron James at No. 1 because contrary to overzealous critics, he doesn’t actually have any real weaknesses; there’s nothing he’s actually NOT GOOD at, only things he’s moderately good at but not yet great at. “Yet” being the key word there, because he will be, and soon.
I would’ve put LeBron James at No. 1 because, accounting for ALL possible factors on AND off the court, there is not another player I’d take ahead of him right now — for this year, for next year, for five and 10 years from now.
Or, put it like this: Sometimes the marketing is on-point. Witness? Yup. You’re watching history with this one, and you will tell your kids about him. I promise.
110 Responses to “2. LeBron James”
Nov.16 at 2:15 pm
Max Airington says:
Damn right.
Nov.16 at 2:15 pm
Zizzle #33 says:
Kobe #1. Good.
Nov.16 at 2:16 pm
Max Airington says:
You can go to Outback with me and we can make our own list of why we dont like Sam. And let’s invite Jake too. Cause he’s got personality.
Nov.16 at 2:18 pm
Max Airington says:
Actually, I like Chinese food better.
Nov.16 at 2:19 pm
Chris? says:
I thought this list was about the most valuable players, Lebron should be ahead of Kobe simply for the fact he has more years in him and will only get better, whereas Kobe is at his prime and will only slow down, be it this year or 4 years from now.
Nov.16 at 2:21 pm
Marcel Mutoni says:
shaq must be spinning in his grave…
Nov.16 at 2:21 pm
jbn74sb says:
I’m proud of guys, Slam. Despite the repeated and not so veiled shots at Kobe, you still have the clarity of mind to put him at No. 1. Nicely done.
Nov.16 at 2:22 pm
jbn74sb says:
Marcel - Shaq only appears to be dead. He’s actually just resting from all of the food he ate during the offseason.
Nov.16 at 2:26 pm
Max Airington says:
The better player right now should by definition be more valubale. Potential can get you a loan on a Hummer, but not a number one ranking.
Nov.16 at 2:28 pm
Jake Appleman says:
I—-Pun intended—-second everything this article stands for.
Nov.16 at 2:31 pm
marcel mutoni says:
i’m a lil’ dissapointed we didn’t get Hollinger to write one of these. i enjoy his number-driven insanity over at the Follower
Nov.16 at 2:34 pm
Sam Rubenstein says:
We haven’t been back to Outback since that fateful day. We should have a party to celebrate the end of the countdown.
Nov.16 at 2:36 pm
Chris? says:
But Max, this list was about a player’s current value to a team, I mean why else would Darko be on this list? Because he could end up being a very good player and is therefore more valuable to his team. Value is determined by current talent and future possibilities. Kobe is (as much as I hate to admit) the best player in the league, but to say his value for the next 10 years is as much as Lebronze is laughable.
Nov.16 at 2:41 pm
JG says:
Lebron at 2? Fair enough. Give him a couple years, or maybe even a year, and there will be NO QUESTION he is number 1
Nov.16 at 2:43 pm
Max Airington says:
I just don’t agree with giving out the crown on loan. You have to earn it. LeBron certainly has a higher ceiling than anyone else in the league, but he hasn’t heightened his skills to Kobe’s current level. Who’s to say for certain if he ever will, or be able to? Penny? Amare?
Nov.16 at 2:43 pm
Double J says:
Nice story… great choice… ummm Lebron Number 2… it’s cool
Nov.16 at 2:50 pm
serbia23 says:
how can u still call him da KING if hes second it shud be KING KOBE
KOBE 4 MVP
Nov.16 at 2:50 pm
Zee says:
He’d make the Lakers better than Kobe would.
Nov.16 at 3:00 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Max, I’m mostly talking to you here — and we can certainly break this down in person over some Chipotle at some point — but all this talk about LeBron and potential, like he’s only GOING to be good… Dude averaged 31, 7 and 7 last year and led his mediocre team to within a game of the Conference Finals. Other than overall ppg, all those stats (and that postseason run) are better than “Kobe’s current level,” as you say. So what am I missing?
Nov.16 at 3:02 pm
Ryan Jones says:
And just for the record, Khalid knows I’m right.
Nov.16 at 3:07 pm
Max Airington says:
I do like Chipotle. He’s damn good right now, no doubt. But he led his mediocre team through a mediocre conference, and lost to what was ultimately a mediocre opponent. He doesn’t have Kobe’s range or consistency, defensive mindset, mastery of fundamentals, and most importantly he doesn’t have Kobe’s experience. That counts for a lot in my opinion. Last years showdown in LA encapsulated the difference between them. Bron misses big free throws now, who’s to say for certain this won’t be his achilles heel?
Nov.16 at 3:09 pm
Ryan Jones says:
They have good guacamole, is why I like Chipotle.
Nov.16 at 3:11 pm
Timbo says:
Yes 23rd!
Nov.16 at 3:11 pm
James S says:
KOBE
Nov.16 at 3:12 pm
Chris says:
If we are talking about this season, let’s just wait and see how kobe bounces back from his ‘minor’ surgery before calling him the best in the league. There’s no question that lebron at this point is WAY more athletically gifted, That said Kobe is the most skilled player in the NBA, he can handle, drive to the left or right, shoot/finish with his left or right, he can post up, he’s got drop steps, floaters, runners, bank shots, can split double teams, hit the mid range j, can hit the three, pass out of double teams, there’s nothing he can do offensively. However I were a GM LeBron is definately the player to build a franchise around this season and in the future.
Nov.16 at 3:15 pm
a.d.i.r.a.b says:
Lebron at #2 for now is a good look but only becuase tracy mcgrady has this huge mental block in his head. kobe and lebron could be switching positions on the list sooner the later if kobe does not come back 100% 05-06 kobe - All Day I read About Basketball
Nov.16 at 3:18 pm
albie1kenobi says:
nice article, Ryan, and also a great point about Bron’s unlimited potential skewing the fact that he already is a great player. MVP talk last year was legit (even though there’s no way he should or could get it over kobe and nash). but i’m with Max here (even though i’m no kobe fan), kobe currently is the best player in the NBA. talent wise they are about equal but the intangibles (drive, consistency, clutchness) are all in favors of kobe.
honestly i hope kobe will win MVP this year, because seriously, lebron’s reign will come into full force and reach unreachable height for the rest of the league in possibly less than a year.
and he’s not even 22. effing frieghtening.
Nov.16 at 3:20 pm
Max Airington says:
Ive never had guacamole. Call me childish, but I won’t eat green goo. Chicken fajita burrito with cheese and green peppers.
Nov.16 at 3:22 pm
Confucious of Bball says:
Lebron will never be number one when Kobe is still around in the league. kobe will still dominate when he is in his thirties. Lebron is only second best, what the heck, Mcgrady will shit on Lebron too. Remember when they first played against each other, Mcgrady had more points plus his team won. At the end he said Lebron is good but not good enough like him. Mcgrady should be nunber two. Damn you slam.
Nov.16 at 3:24 pm
Max Airington says:
And Khalid, wherever you are, if we don’t hear from you on this OJ ish, you’re slippin….
Nov.16 at 3:28 pm
Ryan Jones says:
You’re childish, Max. Avocado is a perfect food, and properly made guac is better than roughly half the narcotics currently on the street.
Nov.16 at 3:31 pm
Max Airington says:
But the other half…
Nov.16 at 3:40 pm
Khalid Salaam says:
EF O.J
Nov.16 at 3:41 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
I’m with Ryan. In the purely figurative sense, you creeps.
Nov.16 at 3:45 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Holla atcha boy
Nov.16 at 3:46 pm
Max Airington says:
OJ is always good for a solid five minutes of hateful diatribe though….
Nov.16 at 3:47 pm
Shiz says:
This is the proper spot for the young bull..Let him earn the number 1 spot. That’s the problem with kids now anyways. And people wonder why they have such an obnoxious sense of entitlement…
Nov.16 at 3:48 pm
Max Airington says:
Espcially with the Cape Cod murder trial ending today too. And Kobe’s number one today? What’s with all the white women? Im staying inside today…
Nov.16 at 3:50 pm
Shiz says:
Dont squeeze the Juice!! You aint catchin OJ!! LOL! All you gotta do is watch some old USC footage…trust! You aint catchin OJ!!
Nov.16 at 3:57 pm
SENECA says:
Did you know Slim Thug is Lebron James of the Game?
Nov.16 at 4:00 pm
Max Airington says:
Slim Thug is the Tim Thomas of the game. People pay to see the all stars that surround him.
Nov.16 at 4:25 pm
CASHVILLE says:
Lebron is the Game of the game. He’s a young dude with crazy talent pissing all the old heads off. By the way or BTW, how’s that Docter’s Advocate sounding? My money is kind of low and it’s getting too cold for my bootleg man.
Nov.16 at 5:00 pm
Elyse says:
Ryan-
When Lebron wins some championships and improves that hair more, then you can move him up. But it is about now, right? Also, I don’t think you can definitely say Kobe quit in game seven. I just think all the regular season, when they played the suns, he averaged like 40-50 points a game, and they still lost, every time. I think he just knew (and was probably utterly depressed by it) that if the team didn’t get involved and step up, there is no way they win. Rick Fox talked about it on AM 570. He said in the triangle, coming back from being down 30 is VERY hard. And that it seemed to him like Kobe didn’t quit, but that he was frustrated. And I would expect him to be. Also, I don’t think the Lakers would be better with LBJ.
Nov.16 at 5:23 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Elyse, good to see the ladies lighting up the board so we can talk about… hair Anyway, to your basis for comparison: How many championships had Kobe won in his first three seasons? And how many has he won without Shaq? How many Finals has he BEEN to without Shaq? How many playoff SERIES has he won without Shaq?
Nov.16 at 5:25 pm
Myk says:
This is just a stabbing wound in my heart.
Kobe over Lebron? No fucking way.
Nov.16 at 5:32 pm
Shiz says:
Cash: Doctors Advocate is pretty decent. He kinda takes a couple veiled shots an 50 an nem but that’s not the whole ablum (yes, ablum). He’s gotta pretty decent track where he apologizes to Dre for all the ruckus between him an 50, basically sayin sorry for actin like a nigga and forcing you to drop me from the label..Its got a verse from Busta too so it comes off a pretty cool track. Its a alright cd, but I wouldn’t pay full price for it. Besides, Im rockin Kingdom Come right now…apparently…Hovie’s home…
Nov.16 at 5:34 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Shiz, first you big up Cam and now you’ve got Game’s back… it’s all coming together now.
Nov.16 at 5:42 pm
Shiz says:
Ryan: well Im glad for you. But one thing… how you figure I got Game’s “back” when I said his ablum was decent? I don’t like him as a dude cuz like the apology track, he starts beef and then cant finish it, and the Cam’ron shit was just funny…And accurate…Bill was gettin flustered…kinda like you are… So you want me to mail your Lifetime Madd Rapper Achievement Award or you just gonna take the stage replica?
Nov.16 at 5:44 pm
SENECA says:
Honestly… Kobe’s an assassin. Lebron’s Magic Johnson. Lebron will take a team to the promise land eventually, until he does I’m still taking Kobe.
Nov.16 at 5:56 pm
Ryan Jones says:
If you’d typed “indecent” I would’ve given you a pass. Anyway, I wrote the pro-LeBron piece, not an anti-Kobe piece. What’s hateful about that? I am not mad, or even madd (with double Ds like Mike Miller on the home page!). I’m just stalling because I’ve got real work to do, but as long as my publisher knows I’m helping the website get more hits he won’t fire me. I’ve got it all planned out, son.
Nov.16 at 6:00 pm
BETCATS says:
Lebron is the tru #1.
Nov.16 at 6:04 pm
Shiz says:
Ryan: juicin the company for all its worth…Now THAT I can respect…
Nov.16 at 6:34 pm
Darksaber says:
Say Serbiaaaaaa, why don’t you reach up and scratch a bit, you know, since you are already hanging on Kobs nuts anyway, might as well make yourself usefull. By the way Ryan, you and Shiz going at it on the Mambiatch post was.. a thing of beauty. Keep it up people. Hmm, Bronny. For me, coming into the league with all that recognition and hype and still blowing all our minds, for that alone, LeBron is a special kind of player. I like Wade more, my kind of player, but i give my respect to a young player (anyone checked his passport lately? he must be from santo domingo or something)with that much ability and savvy. But someone send him to therapy so dude stops chewing on da nails every other minute.
Nov.16 at 6:44 pm
FLUXLAND says:
Ryan i think you are way off on this. Kobe is now going to win all the WITHOUT Shaq rings and Bron is a nature freak and crazy talent but will not amount to anything. Mike played as if every game was his last before getting cut from his high school team. Kobe plays as if he is mad at his dad who told him he was going to a nobody in bball.And he does that every damn game while Lebron plays as if the game owes him something. That’s the difference.
Nov.16 at 6:50 pm
Ryan Jones says:
“Kobe is now going to win all the WITHOUT Shaq rings and Bron is a nature freak and crazy talent but will not amount to anything.” Somebody better save this post and read it back to Flux in a few years…
Nov.16 at 6:58 pm
la287 says:
““Kobe is now going to win all the WITHOUT Shaq rings and Bron is a nature freak and crazy talent but will not amount to anything.” Somebody better save this post and read it back to Flux in a few years… ” No kidding. With Kobe’s recovery from knee surgery coming along slowly and after James’ success in the playoffs last year, I would say LeBron is going to amount to a lot — if he hasn’t already.
Nov.16 at 7:01 pm
nesta says:
kobe #1
Nov.16 at 7:29 pm
Justin H says:
Get that 3 pointer up and youll be no. 1
Nov.16 at 7:54 pm
Frodo says:
Lebron should be first, look at Kobe right now, his team was doing fine, and still is, and Kobe is not really a big contribution.
KG should be ranked higher!!!!!!!!
Nov.16 at 7:58 pm
TJ WinWood says:
SO, is this an article about LeBron being second best of an article about why he isn’t number one?
Nov.16 at 8:22 pm
Simon says:
Lebron is awesome but Kobe is awesomer. Check my equation on the Kobe article for detials… Seriously though, anyone who argues for either 23 or 24 by sayin that the other is garbage or that the other wont amount to anything does NOT know anything about basketball.
Nov.16 at 8:32 pm
Elyse says:
Ryan- Ok, fair enough. But no great player wins on their own. Shaq has always had immensely talented guards with him as well. And, it is unfair to say without Shaq, as obviously trading him sent the lakers into a re-build mode. On your point of winning on his own, this is just his third year now. The first one was a disaster all around, but I don’t think Kobe can be considered at fault for that. They lost their coach in the middle of the season. Last year was the first year implementing the triangle with the third youngest team in the NBA. Most didn’t even predict them to make the playoffs. I am just saying, MJ didn’t win right away, winning is something you learn. And, I think leading a team is something you learn as well. Kobe was the second man on the team for awhile, and now I think he is learning to be a leader. Wade is fortunate enough to play on a veteran squad, with Shaq, Zo, Payton, etc. Kobe, at 27 last year, was the oldest and most experienced on his team, and you saw how that hurt in the playoffs. It also needs to be mentioned that LBJ benefits playing in an inferior conference. The WC beats itself up all year, and then all playoffs. Not to diminish LBJ’s accomplishments, but I personally think making it through the west is more impressive. So ya, right now I think it is pretty undeniable, seeing as all those things you brought up, maybe LBJ has a slight advantage only in the area of playoff series on own. But then again, last year Kobe’s team was one rebound away from a series win as well.
Nov.16 at 8:36 pm
Elyse says:
and I mean unfair to say “without shaq”, b/c unless you think that Lamar and caron at that time were equivalent to Shaq, it is a rebuild. Centers are rare, and when losing an integral part for more unknown quantities, you are rebuilding, and cannot expect the same amount of success that Miami can, as they were getting the better end of the trade. Again, at the time. Maybe when shaq sits out over half the season from toe injuries, and who knows what else, and Lamar is still looking awesome, we will re-evaluate that.
Nov.16 at 8:53 pm
Chris says:
LeBron James is the best player in the NBA for one main reason- he makes his teammates better, earlier this year lamar odom was off to the best start in the nba…..without Kobe in the lineup, now kobes back and all of his numbers are down….and the lakers arn’t winning as much.
Nov.16 at 8:59 pm
Elyse says:
is it fair to point out that when kobe came back he hadn’t played since mid may, and his knee was about 60%? The Lakers won two games without Kobe. It’s not like it was 20. And yes, he does make other players better. Lamar’s numbers are down, but anytime you re-introduce an integral part to a group that hasn’t played with him since may, you are bound to see some rust and adjustment.
Nov.16 at 9:08 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
LeBron James understood the game of basketball better as a rookie than Kobe Bryant EVER will.
Nov.16 at 9:29 pm
the de la menthe says:
this is good. But Lebron may never ne as feared in the clutch or as deadly a pure offensive player as kobe will. he’s on his own level, still, when it comes to being in the zone. owel. Lebron shoulda been MVP last year. On to the kobe article!
Nov.16 at 9:37 pm
Hotta Than December says:
If Lebron ever gets a loyal sidekick. I am a houndred percent sure he will never wanna leave.
Nov.16 at 10:07 pm
Chief says:
This is some old bullshit. Where is Earl Boykins!
Lebron is definitly more valuble to his team. I am shocked and appalled that Slam would go with the safe choice. Lebron is the only player that i can think of that may have the potential to eclipse Jordan’s career, adn that is a big maybe in cleveland. Kobe nope he’s go tthree rings and that’s all he will ever get.
Nov.16 at 10:11 pm
Chief says:
yeha what si kobe without Shaq? He is a possible offensive threat. 81 points , but a team can score more than that. Teams win basketball games. Assists and rebounds win basketball game s adn Lebron has that on lock man. FUCK KOBE! Earl Boykins would school Kobe.
Nov.16 at 10:14 pm
scoop says:
“FUCK KOBE! Earl Boykins would school Kobe.” You just proved you’re an idiot.
Nov.16 at 10:17 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Russ, you are so not gonna be allowed to interview Kobe anymore.
Nov.17 at 1:47 am
kingstuffs says:
its a good thing u at least said u wooda put
bron frist cus we all kno kobe is on the down fall and bron is jus goin up an up
Nov.17 at 2:25 am
Showgun says:
My bad Mr Ryan basketball Jones. Never read your post tell now, shit I had you wrong. my bad. Fuck dude I was mad as soon as I seen KObe at the 1 spot. So my reaction was to say what was on my fucking mind. Anyways KOBE AND KIBG ARE going to be going at soon. Then we will see whatz up.
Nov.17 at 7:00 am
Drolfe says:
Russ, do you really think Kobe doesnt understand the game like LeBron does? I think he understands perfectly, knows exactly the right play to make every time, but chooses to play selfishly.
Note: that statement refers to seasons 96-97 through 05-06.
Nov.17 at 11:30 am
matt garza says:
well second isnt that bad i mean you gotta give it to kobe. hes pretty damn good. i never watched kobe and one night i decide to and he drops 81. the guy is good and everyone knows it. lj is good too but i think he belongs behind kobe. i love lj dont get me wrong but number 24 is better than number 23
Nov.17 at 12:39 pm
Chief says:
23 is the number of perfectiion. Lebronmi sworking on that. 24 is Kobe’s way of saying that he is better than Jordan. Wrong! An dEarl Boykins is the shit. Alright he wouldn’t school Kobe but I’ve done it on NBA live 2007. yeah son 11-3 Earl BOYKINS.
Nov.17 at 1:57 pm
FLUXLAND says:
hey Ryan… you better frame my post bud. Bron can sure fill up the stat sheet but will suffer the same fate as KG. Great stats - nothing to show for them. Word!
Nov.18 at 5:29 am
Alexandra says:
LeBron was said to be the next MJ and then said to be the next Dr J and from what I know MJ and the Doc. are better than Kobe!!! LeBron made it further in the 06 playoffs whith a worse team aswell!!! I reckon Iverson’s better than both of them though.
Nov.18 at 3:21 pm
Love & Basketball says:
Seeing he took the title contending Pistons to the brink in the playoffs, leads his team in so many categories and makes the players around him a lot better, I can’t see putting Kobe above him. If Lebron is the #1 pick in fantasy leagues and the guy most people will say “I would take him first to start a team”, he should be ranked #1. Nuff said. http://loveandbasketball2.blogspot.com
Nov.18 at 8:46 pm
BETCATS says:
fantasy leagues my ass. Lebron is the beast of the east and Kobe is thinking he is Jordan part II. This (if kobe knows about it) will encourage kobe to belive that he is the second coming of god in a basketball players body (81 was amzing but was chris bosh even their?)
Nov.18 at 9:27 pm
serbian99 says:
THAT’S WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT MY MAIN MAN #1 NEXT TIME #2
Nov.19 at 12:09 am
Ekam says:
ryan jones CAN SUCK MI DICK jus like harpreet said it u bitch lebrons not better face it up that young mufukas ass
Nov.19 at 9:50 am
Ryan Jones says:
Two thoughts:
1) The extent to which the internet is destroying literacy in this country cannot be overstated.
2) I never would’ve guessed how many male SLAM readers would like to have their d*cks sucked by other men. Jake, you recently got out of college, so you tell me — is this what the kids are into these days?
Nov.19 at 10:32 am
BETCATS says:
That is tru and all thoose your ‘momma and me did something jokes’ always comeback to hurt you in the end
Nov.19 at 4:54 pm
abdoul says:
Lebron James is this lebron is dat im sick and tird of hearing dat lebron james sucks hes still a kid he needs to learn so much like not traveling, improving defense, not cherry picking ect. Lebron james has nothing on kobe alot of people says his rookie year was explosive and all but look at kobe s team wen he first joined lakers there were eddie jone nick van exel all those great shooting guard but the cleveland cavaliers had no one they suck so much dat they had to depend on a rookie dat cant play ball wats over he has no skills like kobe or melo he cant shoot the ball and the only thing he s good at is sucking kobe dick lebron has good dunks but not crazy dats why he choose not to go to the dunk competition and dat was a smart idea cuz he would got smocking by nate robinson. My point is dat lebron will never be as good as kobe even if he practises kobe is hand down the best player in the nba and lebron knows it thats why he confested in live television dat kobe is the BEST PLAYER IN THE NBA ex you remimber last year wen lakers face it cavaliers in staple center kobe was guarding lebron and lebron tried to do the same thing but got facial about 5 times the last 2m and kobe score the winning shot in his face and stop him from tying the game. I think ive had made my point that lebron is a useless player and would not have the same impact as kobe did wen he scores a winning shot or plays defense on key players such as mcgrady and kobe then after maybe we could have a debat but before dat lebron is still on kobe s balls
Nov.19 at 5:00 pm
abdoul says:
LOVE AND BASKETBALL SHUT THE FUCK UP LEBRON SUCKS THATS WHY KOBE IS NUMBER ONE LEBRON HAS NOTHING ON KOBE NOT EVEN A RING DID NOT EVEN SCORE MORE THAN 60 POINTS WHILE KOBE SCORE 62 IN 33 MINUTE SOMETHING LEBRON WILL NEVER DO WAT KOBE DID IN HIS CARREER. ALL I NEED TO SAY TO YOU KOBE HATER 81 81 81 81 81
Nov.20 at 1:34 am
allitahour says:
in my op. bron is like D. Wilkins or Malone. great but will never reach #1 spot cause certain aspects of his game stops him like D and clutch
Nov.20 at 2:01 am
allitahour says:
i take that back. bron is overrated. just like melo. dont get me wrong they are “great” against most players out “NOW” but will never reach the #1 spot in their active time or after sorry fans
Nov.20 at 2:04 am
allitahour says:
sorry haters
Nov.20 at 6:43 am
jchang15 says:
but the thing is ryan, its not next year. its not 5 or 10 years from now. you cant justiy him being no.1 purely based on what hes going to do (grant hill for example, sorry grant) , all the positives you said are true. and he is going to be the best player in the league…soon. but its not now, right now… it’s kobe. oh, and by the way, kobe’s only 27. so i think bron bron will have to wait about….3 or 4 years until his name is on top of this list.
Nov.20 at 11:13 pm
The Franchize says:
Kobe Bryant deserved his number 1 spot, i don’t care what any of you haters say. LeBron James will never have the clutch ability, handles, fadeway and defence like Kobe Bryant. Can LeBron James score 81 points in a game? 62 points in three quarters? Everyone is forgetting the magic that kobe brings to the game, and in my eyes he’s even better then MJ. If Kobe was forced to lead a team at LeBron’s age without Shaq, his numbers would have been up. LeBron James is definetly getting better, but don’t let his numbers fool you. Oscar Robinson averaged a triple double, doesnt mean hes better then Jordan? Watch one game of Kobe and see the impossible shots he makes to earn his points. LeBron uses his physical talent to get in the lane and thats where mostly all his points come from. Kobe can score any where on the court any time, no one can stop him.
Nov.21 at 3:34 pm
ThatNiggaCrazy says:
This List Fuckin Suck LEBRON IS THE BEST PLAYER IN THE FUCKIN LEAGUE
Nov.28 at 3:27 pm
LUMUMBA says:
LOOK HOW OLD HE IS AND LOOK HOW HE IS RIPPIN THE LEAGUE UP. I DONT THINK ANY OTHER 21 YEAR OLD WAS TEARIN SH*T LIKE LEBRON IS DOIN CAN YOU NAME 1 ANY 1 COMON YOU CANT NAME 1 ONE BECAUSE THERE IS NO ONE WHO IS DOIN WHAT LEBRON IS DOIN AT HIS AGE O AND ONE MORE THING
STRAIGT OUTTA HIGH SCHOOL NO COLLEGE COACH TO TEACH HIM THE ROPES YEAH YEAH YEAH KOBE DIDNT HAVE A COLLEGE COACH EITHER BUT I TOOK KOBE ABOUT 5 YEARS TO DO WHAT LEBRON IS DOING NOW
LEBRON GOT SNUBBED LEBRON IS NUMBER 1 YEAH KOBE HAD 81 BUT LEBRON STILL SHOULDA BEEN NUMBER 1
Nov.30 at 10:13 am
marina says:
I love the way you play basketball i watch you play all the time…i wish you come to my state and teach me some of your cool moves..i play for my school but i would still like you to teach me some cool things about the sport..well got to go..love one of your biggest fans
Dec.11 at 12:04 pm
Raymond Peoples says:
LB is #1 due to his stats. vs age.
Jan.2 at 11:40 am
ashley says:
GO LEBRON ALL THE WAY!
Jan.4 at 3:00 pm
Quentin says:
you is the best an i mean that how come you comeing out of high school is better than most of the pro that has been their.
Jan.8 at 11:43 am
Jamie21 says:
god hes good…he should be number 1 on this list…fflat out, no question
Jan.11 at 5:32 pm
Brittani says:
He is a good player and all but he is over rated because if he was as good as yall say he is he could have easy took his team to the Eastern conference finals last year but the Pistons were thru.Now Wade is better but there is no heat without Shaq.
Jan.14 at 10:57 pm
Kevin Kleiner says:
here’s my list 1.Carmelo 2.A.I. 3.LeBron
4.Kobe 5.D Wade 6.T-Mac(only because of back
problems,should be better) 7.Arenas 8. J.Jhonson
9.V.Carter 10.Y.Ming
Jan.14 at 10:59 pm
Kevin Kleiner says:
LeBron is good but there’s no way he is #1.
Jan.17 at 11:28 pm
invincible cky says:
LeBron are always the First in my list.
Feb.16 at 11:35 am
devonte says:
man lebron u is a beast and if i ever had a chance to hoop with you it would be the greatest day of my life
Mar.16 at 11:10 am
Darryl hodoh says:
even though this is old, lebron is from my hometown and regardless of wat anyone says, he’s still the best in my book
Apr.12 at 1:30 pm
A.I. says:
Kobe is like Michael and Lebron is like Magic, PERIOD.
Jun.29 at 9:27 am
Caannn says:
LEBROON#1 in basketball world and ım ^#1 fan of himmm
Dec.25 at 1:35 am
cecy says:
dude people talk about lebron as if he has made something out of this world for nba fans….yeah his great at his age but u dont know how his going 2 be in 7 years from now and if his going 2 win a championship in the weak ass east coast….kobe by far is better decision making and game winners..just watch the game were kobe shot the game winning shot againts lebron and then guarded him and lebron couldnt deliver…his on 3 place 4 me dwane is 2nd.
Aug.31 at 7:35 am
Hursty says:
penis
Aug.31 at 7:36 am
Hursty says:
cool! we can swear on slam… never knew that.